Trekking
in Ethiopia -Trekking the roof of Africa
Usually known as 'The Roof of Africa', Ethiopia is a trekking paradise full
of astonishing landscapes, breathtaking views und unique flora and fauna
Ethiopia has an elevated central plateau varying in height between 2,000
and 3,000 meters. In the north and centre of the country there are some
25 mountains whose peaks rise over 4,000 meters and some of the world's
deepest canyons.Organizing Trekking is one of our specialities
Our tours offer superb wilderness trekking and lead to the main National
Parks the nicest areas and to the most striking viewing points, as well
as to thoroughly unspoiled and rarely visited sites. Enjoy the truly varied
scenery, dramatic cliffs and escarpments with plenty of opportunity to spot
endemic wildlife, flora and fauna. Besides the trek, you'll delve into Ethiopia's
ancient culture and traditions and experience the friendly hospitality of
the local people.
The Simien and Bale Mountains as well as Meqdela are the best known and
most spectacular sites for keen trekkers. Less known, but not less imposing
is Mount Chilalo, the Arba Gugu area in Arsi, and the Chercher Mountains
in Harerghe. Trekking can also be arranged within the cultural areas of
the Surma people around the Danakil Depression among the Afar people and
around Lalibela with its rock-hewn churches.

Best time for Trekking
is the drier season between October and May, after the rainy season. Also,
the rainy season has its own attractions. The plant life is particularly
lush and it is the time of colorful flowering vegetation. During June,
July and August afternoon showers occur practically every day, but this
should not keep you away as the weather is warm and rains usually sets
in after midday, which leaves enough time for trekking.
Trekking in Ethiopia does not involve being super-fit. The terrain is
usually steep for only short periods and there are mules and donkeys available
to carry the luggage. We provide the whole camping equipment (tents, sleeping
bags, mattresses, towels, pillows, blankets and all cooking utensils)
and our well-trained cook prepares delicious meals while camping.

What to bring for the trip
As the weather in the mountains tends to be unpredictable warm, fast-drying
clothes is a must: strong shoes, pullover, warm jacket, wind- and rainwear.
Best are lightweight fabrics that can be worn as layers. To avoid sunburn
a hat and sun blocker are essential. You will also need water purifying
tablets, torches, and a daypack for the daily needs, as the main luggage
is transported by the pack animals and will only be opened in camp. Do
not forget a camera or video, plenty of films and eventually binoculars.
(batteries cannot be charged on the trek)
Mountain biking in ethiopia

The beautiful landscapes and the peaceful environment
are favorable conditions for mountain biking in Ethiopia. African Adventure
Tours organizes a unique and truly rewarding biking holiday. Our cycling
tour includes the spectacular ride either to Bale Mountains or to the
Rift Valley region. It can also be arranged following the great historic
route of Ethiopia.
Biking in Ethiopia is mostly along paved and gravel roads, crossing mountains
and through undulating landscapes. Most of the time clients ride their
bike, but there are also places where you are driven in the car in case
of exhaustion, long distances or road conditions.

Covering an area of 2200 km2 Bale Mountains National Park
is the largest remaining alpine habitat on the African continent. Founded
in 1970, the Park contains the biggest continuous area of Afro-alpine
vegetation (~1000 km2, circa 17.5% of all Afro-alpine vegetation) and
a large proportion of moist tropical forest.
Bale Mountains National Park offers opportunities for unsurpassed mountain
walking, horse trekking, scenic driving and chances to view many of Ethiopia's
endemic mammals, in particular Ethiopian Wolves, Simien Foxes, Menelik's
Bushbucks and Mountain Nyalas.

Birds such as the Thick-billed Raven, Wattled Ibis, Blue-winged
Goose, Rouget's Rail, etc. can easily be seen in the Park. Bale is the
southern-most breeding population of Golden Eagles, Wattled Cranes and
has a large breeding population of Bearded Vultures. The wetlands and
forests of Bale are the source of major rivers which provide a significant
proportion of the perennial water supply to approximately 10 million people
in South-eastern Ethiopia and Somalia.

Trekking in Simien Mountains
Including one of the principal mountain massifs of Africa, the Simien
Mountains consist of several plateaus, separated by broad river valleys.
With over twenty peaks towering to heights above 4000 meters, Simien escarpments
are also known as the "Roof Of Africa". Its highest peak, Ras
Dashen at 4543 meters, is the fourth highest peak on the African continent.
The Simien escarpments, which remind of the Grand Canyon oft the USA,
have been adopted in 1978 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Park
which covers 179 km2 lies at an altitude between 1900 and 4500 meters.
The mountains are lush and green: your former conception of Ethiopia is
likely to be turned over. The park offers great possibilities for trekking,
with dramatic and exhilarating scenery.

Trekking in Maqdela

Our trek begins at Lake Hashengie and covers about 150
miles, following the same route taken by General Napier in 1868 to free
British captives hold in Maqdela. This rarely visited trek will take you
along unspoiled and varied landscapes to the Sebastopol Canyon and the
plateau-peak of Mount Maqdela (3000 m), an important historical battlefield.The
historical perspective adds another dimension to the trek making it the
more interesting.

Trekking in Surma
The enigmatic Surma people live as half-nomads in the southwestern part
of Ethiopia along the Omo River. Due to their geographical isolation,
they were able to maintain their unique culture. This proud people have
a great sense for beauty and expression. Surma women wear, as soon as
they reach maturity impressive clay plates in their lower lip and ears.
The size of the plate, which can reach up to 15 cm, is a sign of wealth
and beauty.
Ceremonies, especially the stick fighting also called donga, are the foundation
of a complex social structure. The usually unmarried man, decorate their
bodies with intricate designs before the fight. The winner is carried
on a platform to a group of girls, who will decide among themselves, which
of them is going to marry him.